The scope of Airbus' aircraft activity was expanded on April 15 with the formal integration of Airbus Military as a new business unit.
Airbus Military brings more than 4,500 highly-skilled employees into the Airbus team, and was created from the former military transport aircraft division of Airbus parent company, EADS.
This business unit is in charge of a full product line of military transport aircraft - from the CN-235 and C-295 tactical transports to the A330-based Multi-role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and the A400M multi-role airlifter. Airbus Military's responsibilities also include any future military derivatives of Airbus civil aircraft, and any potential new military transport developments pursued by the company.
With its operations based in Spain, Airbus Military's activities range from the development and integration of aircraft and specific military systems to industrialization, marketing and sales. The business unit also provides global support and services to customers and operators of its aircraft.
Airbus Military's smallest aircraft – the family of C-212, CN-235 and C-295 tactical transports – have earned their reputation as rugged, highly capable airlifters in service around the world. They are used in missions that include cargo transport, search and rescue, special operations, maritime patrol, military and governmental airlift and other applications.
Its A330 Multi-role Tanker Transport is an advanced military platform for aerial refueling, as well as the airlift of cargo and troops, and is based on the popular Airbus A330-200 civil jetliner. This aircraft has won the recent international competitions for next generation tanker/transports, having been selected by the U.K. Royal Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, the A330 MRTT was chosen by the U.S. Air Force for the recapitalization of its ageing tanker/transport fleet.
Rounding out the Airbus Military product line is the A400M - a multi-role airlifter specifically designed to meet the harmonized needs of European NATO nations, as well as the requirements of international air forces. The high-speed, turboprop-powered A400M was developed to replace ageing C-130 Hercules and C-160 Transall fleets currently in service around the world, and features more than twice the payload capacity and volume of these two aircraft.
Airbus Military's integration as an Airbus business unit is highlighted in a video clip, which underscores the message of "one team flying together".
